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Chamber Luncheon Focuses on High Speed Rail

By: Editorial Staff


Event to be Held Feb. 26
The Chamber of Southwest Florida's Feb. 26 luncheon will focus on the proposed high speed rail project that promises to link Florida's major population centers over the next 30 years.

Fred Dudley, chairman of the Florida High Speed Rail Authority will be the featured speaker.

When voters approved the amendment to Florida's constitution in November 2000, they were signaling the beginning of high-speed ground transportation in the state and starting a connection to Florida's future. The amendment requires the use of train technologies that operate at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour and consist of dedicated rails or guide ways separated from motor vehicle traffic. The new high-speed rail system is to link the five largest urban areas in Florida, and construction must begin by Nov. 1.

In March 2001, the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida High Speed Rail Authority Act and created the Florida High Speed Rail Authority. Members to the Authority were appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush, the speaker of the Florida House and the president of the Florida Senate in July 2001. Since then, the Authority has conducted numerous meetings throughout the state, and in January 2002, issued a report of its findings to the Governor and Legislature.

Dudley, former Florida Senator from our region, currently oversees the process that will determine the future of what has been referred to as a "$3 Billion-30 Year Investment in Florida's Future." How will this effort impact Southwest Florida's evolution?

In addition to the Dudley's comments, current CSWF board of directors chairman, Tom Mueller of COVANTA will turn over the gavel to incoming chairman John Wiest of Lee Memorial Health System. Board members and various volunteers will be recognized for their service. Information from recent member surveys will be shared with the audience.

The luncheon will be held at The Colony Golf Club in Bonita Springs.

The event begins with 11:30 a.m. registration followed by a noon to 1:30 p.m. program. Price to attend the luncheon is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members and the public. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by phone 239-278-4001 or online at www.chamber-swflorida.com.

For more information on Florida High Speed Rail visit /www.floridahighspeedrail.org.

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